News: Windsor Locks-native commands Company A

Capt. David Bouchard, Marine Barracks Washington Company A commander, returns the guidon to 1st Sgt. James T. Russo, A Co. first sergeant, during a change of command ceremony at the Barracks Nov. 19.

WASHINGTON - A native of Windsor Locks, Conn. assumed command of Company A at Marine Barracks Washington D.C. Nov. 19.

Capt. David Bouchard, Company A commander, assumed command in a ceremony at the oldest post of the Corps. Co. A is comprised of approximately 150 infantry Marines and is home to the United States Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard.

“It is nothing short of a privilege to be Alpha Company’s commander,” Bouchard said. “I know that by leading ethically and honorably, I make Windsor Lock proud.”

Bouchard earned a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and was commissioned in the Marine Corps Aug. 2006 after first serving as an enlisted Marine. He attended The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., before being assigned to Marine Barracks Washington D.C. in November 2010. Throughout his career, Bouchard has earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

“I want to thank my wife and my community for being behind me during my Marine Corps career, without them I would not be where I am today,” Bouchard said.

Barracks Marines support ceremonial and security missions in the nation’s capital. Each year, the Marines support more than 30 parades and hundreds of ceremonies and functions to include funerals and sporting events across the country and globe while maintaining proficiency in their respective military occupational specialties and meeting their annual Marine Corps training requirements.